MANA candidate Annette Sykes says the party is going from strength to strength in Waiariki electorate.

“As our team focus on winning the seat of Waiariki in the final week of the campaign, MANA Waiariki continues to grow.

“In just the past week branches have been set up in the communities of Waitahanui and Turangi.

“Over the past weeks MANA Waiariki has established 16 branches with over 1500 members. We have over 300 members in Rotorua and well over 100 in support in Te Teko, Whakatane, Tauranga, Waiohau, Murupara, Opotiki and Kawerau.

“We are well positioned to win on Saturday.

“It’s no secret that the majority of MANA Waiariki members have come from the Maori Party. Several key organisers from the Maori Party have joined our ranks. Most have done so because Te Ururoa Flavell is nowhere to be seen and has not consulted with them on major pieces of legislation, despite the Maori Party promising to do so.

“They have said that the Maori Party is too weak when being invited to sit at the cabinet table with National and ACT.

“What is also heartening is the number of Maori voters who are now turning to MANA after indicating that they would support Labour. They see MANA as credible opposition against National and ACT after Phil Goff’s memory lapse over the Capital Gains Tax.

“The move of Labour voters now switching to MANA is consistent with Labour’s consistent decline in the polls.’

Annette Sykes says she is feeling energised by the support and the momentum is with MANA Waiariki.